BLAYDES SMOTHERS HUNT

CURTIS “RAZOR” BLAYDES was taking on the biggest challenger in his career. The 26 year old American who was on a modest 2 fight win streak was taking on New Zealander legend MARK HUNT. The 43 year old “SUPER SAMOAN” started off solidly enough stinging Curtis with an overhand right that dropped him to the mat. But from that point on Blaydes used his wrestling advantage perfectly, taking down Hunt 10 times throughout the contest. He landed some GNP; but nothing too vicious. In the post fight presser; Curtis said he had no intention of “banging” with Mark. Hunt; who’s had his issues with the UFC in court and out has said once his contract is done (2 more fights); he’s gone. It’s very likely management secretly doesn’t mind the much younger #9 ranked fighter won. While Mark did land some shots of his own it seemed as if he’s lost 5-10 miles per hour off his fastball, to borrow a baseball saying.

It wasn’t all bad for the Aussies; as 24 year old TAI TUIVASA proved why his nickname is “BAM BAM”, as he stayed undefeated; going to 9-0. All by the way come via 1st round TKO/KO. He jumped on CYRIL ASKER fast. Blitzing him with punches and elbows. A nasty right elbow along the fence opened up a cut on Cyril’s left eye. Another elbow put Asker down as referee STEVE PERCEVAL stopped the fight 2:18 into it. As Tai left the cage he celebrated with fans by drinking a beer out of someones sneaker, then launching it. Another Aussie; JAKE MATTHEWS; picked up a unanimous decision win over LI JINGLIANG, ending Li’s win streak at 4. A solid left hand dropped Li early and Jake went down after him looking for a submission finish to no avail. In a scramble Jake attempted another one, this time Jingliang got out of it by eye gouging Matthews. It also opened a cut on the inside corner of Jake’s right eye. The next takedown Matthews landed he connected with some GNP. A right hand dropped Li as the pair exchanged shots as the fight closed and Matthews landing a flying knee. TYSON PEDRO found his striking range early and landed a kick but SAPARBEK SAFAROV got a takedown out of it. Tyson landed rights as the two exchanged knees in the clinch. Safarov went for a takedown but got his arm caught in a kimura and had to tap 3:54 into round 1; for another Aussie victory.

DONG HYUN KIM fought DAMIEN BROWN in a very slow pace and took a split decision win. 28 year old kickboxing sensation ISRAEL “THE STYLEBENDER” ADESANYA improved to 12-0 in MMA in his UFC debut. All 12 are KO/TKO. This TKO came at 3:32 of round 2 over ROB WILKINSON. Rob tried to counter strike early, but once Israel got his range that became difficult. A piston like left hand rocked Rob and body combos and knees opened his face. When referee STEVE PERCEVAL stopped it Israel had a clear message for the rest of the middleweights. “I’m the new dog in the yard”.

ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI pounded JEREMY KENNEDY; handing him his 1st career loss. The TKO came with just 3 seconds left in round 2. It also gave Alexander a 14 fight win streak. JUSSIER FORMIGA placed a spinning back fist right on BEN NGUYEN‘s chin; crumbling him. Jussier then blasted him with right hammer fists then locked in a RNC for a submission win 103 seconds into round 3. The early pre-lims saw 3 unanimous decisions. ROSS PEARSON ending a 4 fight losing streak over MIZUTO HIROTA, JOSE QUINONEZ over TERUTO ISHIHARA, and LUKE JUMEAU over DAICHI ABE.